George Bitzas, who sang the National Anthem at UT football games for 18 years, prepares a Greek appetizer, tiropita. Yum!
It was a double Greek treat Sunday night at Maestro Lucas Richman’s Whittington Creek home as beloved singer George Bitzas displayed both his vocal and culinary skills at a benefit dinner for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
Who would have thought that the tenor, who retired in 2000 from singing the National Anthem at UT football games, also is an extraordinary Greek cook? Loyal fans know that Bitzas began singing the patriotic anthem that opens all UT games in 1972 and performed that duty for 186 football games.
Jimmy Key sips some ouzo as the evening begins
The evening started with ouzo and Greek wines along with an assortment of Greek cheeses and olives and a fabulous cheese appetizer called tiropita. Main course was lamb chops and a Greek chicken and vegetable casserole along with a huge Greek salad, Greek potatoes and spanikopita. Dessert: baklava, of course.
And then Maestro took to the piano and Bitzas’ amazing voice filled the room. He sang “Never on a Sunday,” “Be My Love,” and a Greek folk song. Then Katie Zahn, who is in the midst of starring in a run of “Man of La Mancha” at the Clarence Brown Theatre, joined Richman for a few songs including a beautiful rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina.” Richman’s wife, Debbie, also took a turn and Richman played a few numbers and asked all 20 guests to join in.
This is the seventh year that the Richmans have hosted one of these Elegant Dining dinners organized by the Knoxville Symphony League. Other hosts were KSO executive director Rachel Ford and her husband, Terry Ford, as well as Katie and her husband, Glenn Zahn. It was Katie who got Bitzas involved: he is her vocal coach and, knowing of his love and talent for preparing Greek food, she invited him to be a part of the evening.
This is one of the best of the Elegant Dining dinners, if you ask me, and it is always a sell-out. I urge you to sign up next year — but don’t you dare take my seats!
Terry Ford was a popular guy: the bartender!
Larry Lebowitz took the cheese tasting very seriously.
Rachel Ford, center, joins Katie and Glenn Zahn for some tiropita.
Lisa Bitzas tosses a huge Greek salad.
Lucas, enjoying his ouzo, calls everyone to dinner.
Spanikopita. Dear Lord, it was so good!
Milton McNally loves lamb. Can you tell he is happy about the chops?
Kay Lebowitz, left, and Melinda Meador take time to catch up before the singing starts.
George Bitzas singing "Be My Love," one of my all-time favorite songs.
Katie Zahn takes a turn on vocals.
George and Katie break into some soft shoe as Lucas plays "Tea for Two."
Lucas dances with his mother-in-law, Clara Zive, who was visiting from Los Angeles.
George poses with his wife, Lisa.
Lucas poses with his wife, Debbie, and his mother-in-law, Clara Zive.
Jake just wants everybody to go home so he can eat his treat in peace!
